Housing Trust’s spring rent arrears warning

Published by Laura Beckett for Halton Housing Trust in Housing and also in Bill Payments

The number of people losing their home due to rent arrears is rising, after another Halton Housing Trust customer was evicted last month.

The Trust is warning customers that they too could lose their home if they continually fail to pay their rent and encourages all customers to take action and set up a payment plan this spring. Non-payment of rent is an issue that the Trust takes very seriously and it has urged all those in arrears to make rent their top priority.

Maureen Forshaw, the Trust’s Income Maximisation Manager said: “Most customers pay their rent, or if they do fall into arrears they’ll do something about it. Most are very concerned about rent arrears but there’s a small minority of who choose not to pay and this is unacceptable.”

“Eviction is a last resort but people could ultimately lose their homes if they fail to engage us with us to set up an agreement to reduce any arrears. If people lose their homes due to rent arrears then they will find it hard to find another, as landlords want reliable customers.”

The Trust regularly organizes prize draws to encourage people to pay their rent and one lucky customer is set to win £500 if they are up to date with payments by March 29th. The winners will be chosen at random, with second and third prizes of £200 and £100. Since its launch five years ago the Trust has given away £10,000 as part of its Clear Rent Account Prize Draws.

The Trust’s Welfare Benefit Advice team also works hard to educate customers that rent is a priority debt. “Some of our customers are paying off non priority debts such as mobile phone and Sky bills, before their rent.” said Maureen. “I urge all customers to think before they buy and make sure they have enough money left for their rent.”

If you are a customer and would like to speak to the team, call 0151 510 5023 between 9.30am-4.30pm on Tuesdays, where advisors are on hand to answer debt, money management, rent arrears and welfare reform queries. If calling any other day, please leave a voicemail and a staff member will return your call.